Starfish: No more 100 for 100

[bluedog]

Went to Starfish the other night with some friends who'd never been, with the intention of ordering their 100 oysters for $100 deal. We were fine with just the malpeques. I had checked out their website beforehand, which still lists it as an option.

Unfortunately, we were told they "no ,onger do that" and that their website is only "an example of things we might offer".

Not impressed.

We did get a fine mix of 60 Oysters for $90, which was to have been 1/3 scallops, but for some reason they substituted the scallops with tottenham tigers (we were pleased with that, but no idea if they did 'cause they were low on scallops that night or we were irritated: I suspect the former). With two bottles of dry ontario Riesling were quite happy.

But I still think "an example of things we might offer" is somewhat false advertising. Nonetheless, I will go back.

[ekim256]

That's too bad! I was thinking of going back for that deal...
The only thing that put me off when I tried it there was the bread. It was rather hard (not fresh) and one of them at a long brownish-blonde hair baked right into it....blech

[jayt90]

Opinions on Starfish are rarely highly positive on this board, except for the food. This restaurant, with a unique food quality reputation, good location, and moderate prices, seems to succeed in spite of itself. But news of erratic service, disorganization, chef leaving, menu substitutions, etc, are worrisome because they don't seem to go away.

[ostracario]

Personally I really like Starfish. We go there at least one every two months - have done so since they opened. Chefs come and go at every restaurant, so that isn't a problem. The new chef's cooking is different, but it's enjoyable nonetheless. And yes, Starfish does get busy and staff aren't able to be there for you every second of your meal, but I kinda like that. If I wanted fawning service I'd go to the Keg, or to Splendido if I had an extra $400 that I didn't know what to do with. Finally, I never did get the 100 oysters for $100 anyway. How could you possibly make money on such a promotion? The fact that they discontinued it doesn't surprise me. Doesn't matter to me - I don't like malpeques anyway. Kumos are my fav!

[bluedog]

I like Starfish too, and will go back despite this experience and despite the crticiscm aboce. But whether they are making money on the 100/100 deal isn't my problem, nor is it the point: the deal is on the website but not available at the restaurant. The issue is false, or at least misleading, advertising.

I do however completely concur that its their perogative to offer or end the deal as they wish (which had been around for years by the way). Just stop promoting it when its over.

[jayt90]

When I looked at the website this morning, there was no mention of the $100 deal. Instead, Starfish suggested that their website might not always be up to date on daily offerings.
I think we have found them peddling backwards.

[Recyclor]

Well, at least they responded somehow, hopefully they will be more dilligent in the future...

[pinstripeprincess]

that's a shame... i was hoping to do that for a celebration this year.

[bluedog]

pinstripe: try calling before you arrange your celebration. I had the impression talking to the wait staff that management is a bit erratic, so I suppose there is some chance they may offer it again. Not that the wait staff were anything but professsional (well, OK, they were a bit slow/inattentive).

[Pincus]

I will admit my ignorance as to what a "tottenham tiger" is besides a football team member.

[bluedog]

Pincus: It's a type of oyster from Washington State.

[Recyclor]

They really should have honoured that deal, it's not like they lose out on selling off 100 oysters and the expected few bottles of wine and whatnot, I hate it when businesses take claims they make on their website lightly...I'd be put off...